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The second point is that the doctor/patient relationship has an almost sacred character, and that it is important for both doctors and patients when - in a relationship that is ongoing, as would be a relationship between a pediatrician and the child's parents - that they share the same basic values, the same moral understandings, and even a common worldview. Doctors and their clients must be on the same page on these things, or they resist serious conflicts down the road. It is COMMON for patients to reject doctors because "he doesn't understand me" or "I don't trust his judgment" or "he doesn't believe in naturopathy" or "he is condescending" or "I don't want a woman giving me a prostate exam." All sorts of things! And I am sure doctors sometimes encourage patients to find a doctor who is more in tune with their own ideas about what constitutes proper medicine. In this case, the doctor was doing the parents a favor in steering them towards a doctor with whom they would be more likely to have a harmonious relationship. The child did NOT suffer because of this.

Superb post Steve_Seattle. And if all the critics wanted what was best for the child then they would condemn adoption by homosexuals.

the doctor/patient relationship has an almost sacred character, and that it is important for both doctors and patients when - in a relationship that is ongoing, as would be a relationship between a pediatrician and the child's parents - that they share the same basic values, the same moral understandings, and even a common worldview

I think that is completely and totally wrong.

Do you think doctors should refuse to treat smokers?

Now, there is a little bit of truth in the "worldview" part - if a person with an infection doesn't believe in germs, for example.

But if I didn't treat anyone who didn't share my basic values and worldview, I'd be out of business, and if you post here frequently, so would you.